Turkey Panini with Bell Peppers and Mushrooms

It's nap time, the house is actually clean so I though it would be the perfect time to share a yummy recipe. 

When I don't cook a big breakfast I usually make a big lunch.  I have really been into making non traditional sandwiches.  This one is yummy and hubby approved!  I don't have a panini or quesdilla maker yet but that hasn't stopped me!  This is also a great one to help use up those small amount of left over veggies you have [bell peppers and mushrooms was what I was trying to rid of].

Felt Headbands

Each Monday I have joined Busy Monday at a Pinch of Joy.  Be sure to check out all the great ideas that are uploaded to this awesome link party!  I thought I would actually post a  crafty thing to share this Monday.  I used some leftover felt to make.... headbands.

Cindy started pulling off headbands awhile ago but I really miss them so I am on a mission to convince her they are awesome.  I bought a pack of plain elastic headbands for $1 back when I was in California, so if she refuses them, then I won't feel so bad.   I browsed google pics for some inspiration and here is what I came up with.

And of course a picture of little miss priss wearing it.  Making felt flowers is a lot harder than it looks people.  Especially those really gorgeous, huge, intricate ones.  I need more practice and big props to those arsty ladies who do make them.  I am still pretty happy with how it came out.  I will post the tutorial later on in the week.  

I like flowers on headbands, but I LOVE big bows.  It's that southern girl deep down inside.  SO, here is a felt bow headband.

She wore it on Mother's Day and looked absolutely darling in it.  It also stayed on her head longer than 20 minutes [score!]. 

So, if you have something crafty or you have something to share, be sure to head over to a Pinch of Joy and link up!

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mommy Day to all you mamas out there! I have gone through this hermit phase and all I really want to do is stay home.  It's probably a side affect from our recent travels but this year, no hotels, no sight seeing, and the hubby kept it simple. And I got what a Mom really wants.  It was PERFECT.

I got to sleep in while he watched the little monster and he took me on  shopping spree. OH YEA! Yup a day for me to be frivolous and buy whatever my heart desires.  This time my heart desired lots of kitchen-y things.  I haven't really bought much for our kitchen because we got 90% of what we needed from our wedding.  With my recent desire to cook it was so fun to buy all these kitchen goodies I just had to share my two favorite purchases.

The first, are these ADORABLE tins from good ol Martha Stewart.  I love the quality and the design of most of her products.  I have always wanted vintage tins and these were perfect.  The lid has this seal, which is a nice big modern day plus.  I love the size and the colors match my kitchen perfect.  Definitely a splurge on my part because I would normally never spend $12 [a pop] on tins.  They sell $14.99 retail without tax so I feel justified because I saved money hehe.  Once I got them situated I knew it was worth it.

My second absolute fave fave fave is my new Calphalon 10 inch pan.  I am in love.  Our 10 inch non stick is starting to peel and though I love it's powder blue exterior, it was tine for it to retire.  This was the best gift to give a mama like me.  I got it for $35 which is $14 cheaper than on amazon so I am happy.  I'm a Calphalon believer now and my next non stick cookware set is going to have to come from them even though it cost almost $500.  It's worth it to me! [That is yummy Chicken Parmigiana cooking oh so very nicely].

Hope you had a wonderful Mother's day as well!  

Homemade Fruit Roll Ups [Pin it and Do it]

Because I have been doing so much cooking and baking, it is only fitting that this post be a recipe, right?  I saw this pin about making your own fruit roll ups with real fruit [found on my kiddy food board] and I knew I had to try it.  Looks pretty good huh? [But I have to admit I like the sugar filled fruit roll ups better].  But for Cindy this is perfect and she loves it.

Felt Baby Book

Oh me oh my it has been a long time since I have sewn anything and boy am I rusty!  I really am not fully  happy with how this turned out but oh well.  I am just glad it is done because I hate leaving things unfinished.  It only took me almost a year!!  I know how re-donkeylous!  Not such a fan of needlepoint and won't be doing that for awhile.

It was suppose to be a book for Cindy when she was a itty bitty baby.  I guess we will just use it to practice her sign language.  In the sewing book I got the idea from, they also stitched the words but I ran out of patience.  I hate the way the pages turned out though and I wish I would have been more patient and precise about the construction.

My favorite page is the doggy.  It  is her's too!  For some reason, she loves touching his little eyes.

Surprisingly, she liked it and spent a little bit of time flipping through the pages.  I guess it wasn't such a waste because our next baby [the one in the far away future] will be able to use it too. 

The next felt book I create will be way more fun than this one [if I ever do get to making another one].  Want to make one and looking for ideas??  There is a great one on you can see at The Crafting Chicks. 

Recipe: Banana Bread

Right now I am really into cooking and baking... I usually go through waves... cooking, sewing, paper cutting.... Every other craft is getting ignored because of it but the hubby sure is enjoying every moment.

Anywhoo, I had some ripe bananas, made some bread and thought I would this banana bread recipe that is easy to alter according to your taste.  This recipe is a nice one for us beginners.  Even though it isn't a super easy, pour everything in a bowl, it is well worth the work.  [Mine is a little overcooked because I forgot to set the timer but you get the idea]. 

Here are the ingredients:

1/2 cup of softened butter

3/4 brown sugar [you can use white if you want]

2 eggs

2 1/3 cups of mashed ripe bananas

2 cups of flour

1/2 tsp cinnamon [add more if you like it]

1tsp of vanilla

1 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Optional:

1 cup of chocolate chips

nutmeg [I'm not a fan of it so I leave it out]

Preheat oven to 350.  Cream the butter and sugar in a bowl until it is light and fluffy.  Add eggs, one at a time beating well after each addition.

Stir in mashed bananas and vanilla. 

*** Just a note:  One of the secrets to moist banana bread is having enough mashed bananas. ***

In another bowl mix all the dry ingredients [flour, cinnamon, baking soda, salt] Mix it together.

The second banana bread secret is DO NOT OVER MIX.  My first few banana breads were always a little dry and I realized that I was over mixing.  This is where a mom's gentle touch comes in handy.  Add the dry ingredients in a little at a time just until it is moist.  Even if there are a few lumps don't go stir crazy!  

Fold in the nuts and chocolate chips.  Line the pan with parchment paper. And bake at 350 for 50 minutes to an hour.  If your top begins to brown too quickly like mine just cover it with foil. 

And there you have it a yummy banana bread!! My hubby loves it and it makes a great snack to eat for the week. 

If you are looking for something that is more simple but just as delicious, try the banana muffin recipe.  It guarantee, it won't disappoint.  

How to Make Play Dough [Pin it and Do it]

Since before we went on our trip I have been dying to try this!!  It is so easy I vow never to buy play dough again.  Seriously, as easy as making oatmeal on the stove top and I finished it all in one nap time with time to spare.  PLUS I found everything I needed right there in my pantry and didn't have to buy anything extra.  HERE is the pin and the recipe can be found on Art Nest.

To save you some clicking time I posted the recipe and how to here.  What you will need [for 2.5 cups]: